In the US alone over 100 million people deal with bunions. So you are not alone in trying to figure out the best running shoes for bunions! I’ve got friends who deal with this and it’s important to know that they don’t have to mean the end of your running.

Best Running Shoe for Bunions

The right running shoe is going to make a massive difference in reducing discomfort while running.

Previously I’ve written about the running with bunions treatment techniques, like taping bunions and foot exercises. Make sure you check that out for some additional ways to improve your time on the roads. But today, we’re going to dive more in to what you need to look for in running shoes.

For you, it’s not just about cushion and weight. Instead, our focus shifts to a wide toe box, better arch support and even a lower heel to toe drop. Let’s discuss each of these features a bit more and then dive in to reviews of my top running shoe for bunions.

10 Best Running Shoes for Bunions

There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re choosing a new pair of running shoes. If you’re looking for a pair with a wide toe box, these are our 7 picks for the best running shoes you can buy right now.

These are the shoes that came most highly recommended by Physical Therapists and Podiatrists that I know (and equally important, by runners I know who deal with this issue). We’ve looked at some of the best brands and shoes so that you can be sure that your feet will be happy no matter how far you run.

#1 Best Cushioned Zero Drop Shoe – Altra Provision

The Altra Provision is a great stability shoe that is lightweight and lets you run in a natural way. It has Altra’s well-known EGO midsole, which provides lightweight cushioning for soft landings and explosive takeoffs.

For those with flexible arches or who tend to overpronate, this is the ideal shoe. Altra designed the Provision with GuideRail technology, which provides medial support when you need it

The Altra Provision is a lightweight and supportive zero drop shoe. That means we have eliminated worries about the heel to toe drop and we have provided that arch support, all alongside some really nice cushion! Just remember that if you are new to Zero Drop running shoes, you want to gradually introduce them to your training. Start with just 1 short run per week.

We know I’m not a big stability shoe person and yet these don’t feel like a stability shoe at all. I think it’s because they have a good amount of cushion and aren’t stiff.

Altra Provision 6 Review
  • Weight:  9.6 oz Men’s, 8.2 oz Women’s
  • Heel drop: zero drop shoe
  • Available in 7 colors
  • Not available in wide
  • Available on Altrarunning.com for $140

I’ve taken these out for quite a few miles now and surprised myself by finding my calves didn’t scream. I think a good sign that I’ve been rotating through a large variety of heel stacks.

This is one that I’d recommend if you’ve been considering a stability shoe, but aren’t going to let up on all the hip, glue and core work that will make sure you aren’t relying on the shoe.

#2 Best All-around Shoe – Brooks Glycerin 22

The Glycerin remains one of Brooks most loved running shoes. I told you I ran a marathon in it! It‘s a great all–around running shoe, providing great cushioning for a variety of running distances.

Brooks slightly changed things and use their DNA tuned foam underfoot. This EVA foam is the most durable and allows for a lot of softness. With their DNA tuned technology they can change the softness in different areas of the shoe based on usage type. In this case, a go to daily trainer.

Brooks Glycerin 22 Overview

Despite all the cushion, the shoe remains fairly light at 9 oz and has a 10mm heel drop, encouraging speed and comfort.

If you’re needing a wider fit, this model comes in both wide and extra wide!

#3 Best Max Cushioned – HOKA Arahi

If you’ve ever wondered are HOKAs good for bunions? Yes!

They have both the wider foot we are looking for, along with the lower heel drop and by default provide a bit more stability. As always there are some models that can be better for bunions than others and you’ll see 2 on this list.

The Arahi is a stability running shoe designed for runners who need support for overpronation. Which means for us, that it’s going to support the arch.

This shoe features a J-Frame technology that helps to guide the foot and reduce overpronation, while the foam midsole provides a cushioned and responsive ride. Truly it’s not often you find a shoe with this amount of cushion that’s also designed with stability in mind.

I’ve said before with HOKA one of the things I appreciate is that by default the shoes are going to provide you with some support and stability, without feeling stiff. As someone who also appreciates the feeling of cushion underfoot when the miles get long, this is a great combo to help relieve some of that bunion running pain.

HOKA Arahi

The mesh upper is breathable and flexible, and the shoe features a wide base for added stability. The Arahi is a great choice for runners who need support and stability, and who want a comfortable, cushioned shoe for their daily training.

Since I am not a stability shoe runner, this and the Gaviota have not graced my feet. I’m sharing with you feedback from other runners who have used them!

#4 Runner-up Max Cushioned Shoe- Hoka Bondi Wide

The Hoka One One Bondi is great for everyday running and walking. With its max cushioning, it’s almost guaranteed to provide max comfort too. The one thing to remember is that the more cushion, the less “pop” or speed you’ll get from a shoe.

If you’re needing a little extra room when dealing with bunions, you can get the Bondi 9 in Wide and Extra Wide to give even more space.

Hoka Bondi 9 Review

The newest model has a mesh construction, lighter foams, and an extended heel that offers a soft but balanced roll-through from heel strike to push-off. Just remember as we mentioned before that more cushion isn’t always better.

#5 Best Lightweight Daily Trainer – Topo Cyclone

My immediate thought upon picking this shoe up was “holy cow how is it so light?” When that’s the first thing you notice, it’s definitely going to be a fun shoe for some up speed workouts!

When you aren’t looking for a max cushion shoe (because we don’t always need that), but a shoe that’s light and still comfortable for the run, this is a great option. It doesn’t have a massive stack height, which means it is also a bit more stable for a lot of folks.

There is a slight rocker design to it, but I can’t say I noticed this much in my runs. I just thought was a nice sensible daily trainer that was a bit more responsive than a bigger cushion. If you want something for tempo runs, intervals, or even a race day light weight shoe this wide toebox will keep that big toe doing it’s job.

Topo Cyclone 3 Review

#6 Best Saucony Shoe for Bunions: Saucony Guide 18

The Saucony Guide is a stability running shoe that is designed for runners who need more support and guidance. It features a medial post, which is a firmer foam that helps to prevent overpronation and provides stability.

That being said, it’s not HUGELY structured. Compared to older stability shoes, this isn’t going to be super firm or provide massive support. It’s just providing a little bit of extra for those who find their arches dropping or have flat feet.

Saucony Guide 18 Review

The upper of the Saucony Guide is made of breathable mesh material that offers flexibility and a secure fit.  Moving slightly away from past posts to provide stability is their new Hollow Tech medial support. The TPU medial support element placed in rear of the midsole provides support without the rigid and firm feeling of a medial post, seen in most shoes.

#7 Best New Balance For Bunions – New Balance 860v14

The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v14  has a dual-density medial post in the midsole that helps with overpronation, which will stabilize your foot strike and help to keep you in better alignment.

A combination of hard and soft rubbers on the outsole of the Fresh Foam 860 imparts grip, while the firm midsole is useful at runs of a higher pace.

NB 860v14 Wedge Arch Support

The breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool and secure, and the cushioning is second to none.

It’s a stability running shoe that’s surprisingly light. It has a stretchy, spacious forefoot and toe box which is perfect if you have bunions!

There are A LOT Of fresh foam numbered shoes, so note that the 880 is neutral cushion. The 860 is the stability option. Personally, I quite like the Fresh Foam which provides just the right amount of cushion for my runs from 3 to 20 miles.

#8 Best On Running For Bunions – On Cloudflyer Wide

Cloudflyer running shoes are known for their comfort and style. They feel super nice on your feet, due to their soft cushioning, but they also have the stability you need. Having run in these, I’d label them as a firmer shoe providing more support and less of that plush cushion.

Great if you need some additional stability or arch support. These shoes are not bouncy or super cushioned, so again if you want that softer feel choose one of the first couple shoes listed.

The wide version of a Cloudflyer shoe still has all the luxuries but is constructed 4mm wider than the regular fit. It might sound like a small amount of difference, but your toes will thank you the very first time you go for a run in them!

on cloudflyer 5 feel

  • Weight: 10.6 oz Men’s, 8.8 oz Women’s
  • Heel drop: 9 mm
  • Available in 5 colors
  • Not available in wide
  • Available from on.com for $170

#9 Best for All Day Wear- Kuru Atom 2

Kuru shoes are designed with a heel-hugging KURUSOLE. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time on their feet and deals with plantar fasciitis and bunions this shoe was designed specifically for you!

Once you put the shoe on, the curved, heel-cupping design will give your heel pad a little extra support and form to your foot. They are meant to follow your foots natural biomechanics and sorta mold to your needs.

KURU Atom 2 Review

The foam uses the EVA shock absorbing cushion, so there is going to have a more plush, bouncy feel. Perfect for those super long days on your feet!

#10 Best Trail Running Shoe for Bunions – HOKA Speedgoat

I’m trying to give you a variety of brand options in case you already know you don’t like a certain type. But I have to include the Speedgoat because it’s a favorite of mine as a neutral shoe that’s so durable.

I’ve put a lot of trail miles on this shoe and it can take it. From easy trails, to more technical you’ll have plenty of grip and great cushion to make the miles comfortable.

Some folks dislike the max height because there’s less connection to what’s underfoot. I’ve never had that issue.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review

There are a few shoes that I have recommended in other articles when looking for wide walking shoes (like the HOKA Clifton) that I didn’t include here. They could absolutely work, but I’m trying to eliminate your overthinking about the best sneaker.

What to Look For In Shoes for Bunions

As noted there are three things we want to asses when selecting you best shoe. These are all things you can pretty easily find the details for when shoe shopping online, but may need to better understand what they mean or why they matter.

Wide Toe Box Shoes

Dr. Gaby Go, DPT, PT, says “When working with patients who are dealing with bunions, one of the most impactful things you can do to prevent bunion formation is ensure that the toe box of your shoe is wide enough to accommodate all your toes. The goal is that you can comfortably spread your toes within the shoe itself. ”

Should I Buy a Wide Shoe if I Have Bunions?

Remember that a wide toe box means the area where your toes are is often more footshaped. It does not mean the entire shoe is wide, which can create issues if you have a more narrow heel or arch.

If a shoe is too wide, it can cause blisters and other issues. This is because your foot has too much room to move around in the shoe and as a result creates the friction that leads to blisters or even chaffing.

So again, our focus in on a wider toe box, as we see here with Altra Running Shoes. Having bunions doesn’t necessarily mean you have wide feet.

wide toe box for running

Moderate Heel Toe Drop

Heel to toe drop refers to the change from the heel of the shoe to the toe in height. It’s not the same thing as stack height which is how tall the shoe is overall.

Standard running shoes are often 12MM in drop, which is great if you have Achilles issues, but not an ideal running shoe for bunions. We know that one of the worst shoes to wear with bunions is a high heel. In effect, the higher the drop the more pressure you are putting forward on the foot and the bunion.

Ideally we want to look for shoes that are 6mm or less. Lucky for you there are now a lot of those available.

Arch Support

Again we’re looking for things to ensure that we aren’t placing extra pressure on your forefoot with each step. And if your arch is coming down that will create bunion discomfort.

According to DPT Amie Ramczyk, “a lot of people who have bunions have flat feet and walk with feet turned out, causing them to roll off the bunion and not the big toe. This then causes decreased ROM in the big toe and ankle as well and can lead to other issues up the chain.”

What Shoes to Avoid with Bunions?

The biggest thing in running shoes for bunions is going to be avoiding a narrow shoe or one with inflexible material, which often includes waterproof trail shoes. Many folks find that Nike and Saucony both run narrow, which means you’ll be looking for Wide versions of their shoes. But as you saw above, I did specifically recommend a wide Saucony.

Meanwhile New Balance is well known for their availability of Wide Shoes and I do recommend them a ton.

All right, we’ve talked a ton here about what you need to look for in the best running shoes for bunions, alongside some well tested options. Go forth and find the shoe that’s going to allow you to run pain free!!!

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